Government groups around the world are becoming increasingly involved in efforts to launch and defend against web-based attacks, security experts warn. A new report from McAfee, conducted in association with several law enforcement and security research bodies, claims that a new 'cold war' is taking place on the internet.

The security firm cited recent attacks on Estonian government sites, and allegations of web attacks conducted by China, as examples of how cyber-attacks could take a part in global conflicts. "The nature of the equaliser that is the internet has dawned on people," said Dave Marcus, security research and communications manager at McAfee. "It is dawning on a lot of places that maybe they don't need a mole some place." Marcus told vnunet.com that levels of preparedness within governments varies greatly.